Rowing, Resilience, and Divine Nudges

We’re diving into our “At the Movie” series. Now, this isn’t your typical Sunday fare; it’s a chance to see where God might be hiding in the stories we encounter on the big screen. Last week, we explored the gentle wisdom of Fred Rogers in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” But today, we’re shifting gears—no movie reviews or thumbs-up ratings, I promise. Instead, let’s talk about “The Boys in the Boat.”

1. Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Journeys

From Oars to Miracles

“The Boys in the Boat” isn’t about superheroes or epic battles. It’s about a group of young men—college rowers—striving for greatness during the 1936 Olympics. Their journey isn’t flashy; it’s gritty, filled with early mornings, blisters, and icy waters. Yet, within this ordinary pursuit, we find echoes of our own faith journey.
Life often feels like rowing against the current. We face setbacks, exhaustion, and doubts. But just as those rowers leaned into their oars, we lean into our faith. Sometimes, God’s presence isn’t a thunderclap; it’s a gentle nudge, urging us to keep going. In the mundane routines of life, we discover the extraordinary.

2. Resilience and Trust

When the Waters Get Rough

Rowing teaches us resilience. The boat bounces, waves crash, and muscles ache. But the crew pulls together, trusting each other and their coxswain. Similarly, our faith journey demands resilience. Storms come—illness, loss, doubt—but we cling to hope. We trust that God steers our boat, even when the waters get rough.
Remember Joe Rantz, one of the rowers? His life was marked by abandonment and struggle. Yet, in the boat, he found purpose and camaraderie. Our faith community is our crew. We row together, lifting each other when fatigue threatens to capsize us. And in those moments, we glimpse the divine.

3. Divine Nudges

When God Whispers

Have you ever felt a nudge—a quiet prompting that defies logic? Maybe it’s an invitation to serve, a nudging toward forgiveness, or a sudden urge to reach out to someone. In “The Boys in the Boat,” moments like these abound. Joe’s chance encounter with a boatbuilder, the serendipitous arrival of a new teammate—they all point to something beyond coincidence.

God whispers in ordinary moments. He orchestrates meetings, aligns circumstances, and places people in our path. We call them divine nudges. So, pay attention. That stranger you meet might be an angel. That unexpected opportunity might be God’s invitation. Our lives intersect with the sacred when we listen to those whispers.

4. The Ultimate Coxswain

Steering Toward Eternity

In the boat, the coxswain steers, calls the rhythm, and guides the rowers. In life, our ultimate coxswain is Christ. He sets the course, even when we can’t see the finish line. When we row together—through joys and sorrows—we’re part of something greater. Our strokes align with the eternal rhythm.
So, my friends, as we navigate life’s waters, remember this: We row, not alone, but with the wind of grace behind us. Our ordinary lives become extraordinary when we surrender to the divine nudges, trust our crew, and follow the ultimate coxswain.

Let’s pray together:

Gracious God, thank you for the ordinary miracles—the whispers, the nudges, and the shared journey. May we row faithfully, knowing you steer our boat. Amen.

Feel free to share this post with others, and let’s keep rowing toward eternity “as one.”

Blessings,
Daniel Burbage

I hope this reflection resonates with our community and encourages us to find faith in the everyday. If there’s anything else you’d like me to explore or emphasize, just let me know! 🙏😊